Dogwood Anthracnose

Dogwood anthracnose continues to kill dogwoods on moderate to high hazard sites in the eastern half of the state. An estimated 50% of dogwoods on 3.6 million acres have died. Most of the mortality has been on high elevation, moist and humid sites. Elevations of 3,000 to 5,000 feet are most at risk as are north-facing slopes and sites within 100 feet of water under a full forest canopy.

Middle and West Tennessee tend to be warmer and drier and are less affected by dogwood anthracnose. The spread of this exotic new disease has stabilized, but its effect remains.

Initial symptoms of dogwood anthracnose show up as small tan spots on the leaves. They develop into larger blotches and often have a purple border between the dead and healthy tissues of the leaf.